Stockport council’s Labour group has elected a new leader following the results of this year’s local elections. Coun David Meller will take over at the head of the group after winning the backing of his party colleagues in a vote on Friday night.
It is understood Coun Meller - a former cabinet member for economy and regeneration - saw off competition from Coun Dean Fitzpatrick. His deputy will be Coun Christine Carrigan. He replaces Elise Wilson, who stood down as a councillor this month after four years as chief of the Labour group.
It comes after Coun Meller won one of the three Cheadle East and Cheadle Hulme North seats at Friday’s ballot, the others being taken by his Labour colleague Coun Yvonne Guarineto and Lib Dem Coun Jilly Julian. While the election was far from a disaster for Labour, it did see them slip further behind the Lib Dems, who - despite failing to win a majority - will expect to run the council for another year as the largest group.
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Speaking following his appointment, Coun Meller said it was ‘an honour’ to lead the Labour group in Stockport. “Last week’s results are a great foundation for Stockport Labour to build on,” he said.
"We have challenged and beat the Lib Dems in their heartlands and now have councillors in every constituency across the borough. Stockport Labour will continue to stand up for residents during this cost of living crisis – having already secured an expansion of free school meals – as well as push to ensure Stockport’s regeneration extends to all areas of the borough.
“We will also do everything to ensure that as a council, we get the basic services right and deliver for council taxpayers.”
Coun Meller will now spearhead Labour’s efforts to return to the town hall helm - the group having held the reins between 2016 and 2022.
He added: “My cabinet - whether leading the council or scrutinising the work of another administration- will tackle the issues Stockport residents face head on and we will be a presence within every area of Stockport, working for local people.”
Stockport born-and-bred, Coun Meller was first elected in 2018 in the old Cheadle Hulme North ward.
The dad-of-one represents Stockport on the Greater Manchester Transport Committee and under the last Labour administration served, led on the ongoing £1bn regeneration of Stockport town centre.
Christine Carrigan takes over from Coun Tom McGee as deputy leader, following the veteran Heatons South councillor’s decision to retire. Coun Carrigan was first elected to represent the old Stepping Hill ward in May last year.
And - following the first boundary changes in nearly 20 years - she was successfully re-elected in Brinnington and Central Stockport Ward last week, securing a four-year term.
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